I was wondering if anyone has any experience in the phenomenon (if you like) of couchsurfing?
There's big internet networks set up, essentially 'trust circles' for budget travellers, where people can offer a couch for free to travellers in the area, or if not a couch then just a meet and greet or a coffee or a city tour...
members of the networks give each other references and trust is gradually built up.

I love the idea of it - especially as i've caught the travel bug in a major way (on a student budget)! I've signed up to one of the networks but as yet I have no couch available (I really don't actually, I'm in the middle of moving flats), I realise there are obvious safety issues but I was wonedring if anyone has any actual experience of this kind of thing? Or if anyone does it or knows anyone who does it?